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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3 |
I never know whether to use "toward" or "towards" (is the latter ever correct?). Does anyone know the rule? For example, in a sentence like "send your contributions toward(s) a gift to...," which form of the word would be correct? Thanks for your input!
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 18
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 18 |
James J. Kilpatrick, in his book Fine Print, says there is no discernible difference between the two: the British prefer towards; American usage calls for toward. Fowler, however, has a more complicated answer. He notes differences in pronunciation and usage (adjective/preposition). Says use as adjective is obsolete and, as preposition, the -s form is the prevailing one, and the other tends to become literary on the one hand and provincial on the other.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3 |
Thank you kindly. That's very interesting and very helpful.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2 |
In journalism school, I was told that an "s" at the end of 'toward' is unnecessary according to the Associated Press style book. It is the same for 'backward' and 'forward' -- NKR
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,981
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,981 |
I think this is right. In Britain it would be usual to use towards. My Collins (UK edition) lists toward as obsolete, based on the Old English toweard. Instead, it is obviously alive and well and living in the USA.
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